One of the best things about investing in quality boho pieces from brands like Free People and Anthropologie is that they're built to last — if you treat them right. Flowy fabrics, delicate embroidery, smocking, crochet, and natural fibers all require a little extra care compared to your average fast-fashion piece. But the payoff is a wardrobe that stays beautiful for years.
Whether you just scored a new-with-tags find from Timeless Treasurz or you're looking to preserve a beloved piece you've had for years, here's everything you need to know about caring for boho and flowy dresses.
Know Your Fabric First
The care routine starts with the fabric. Always check the label before washing — but here's a quick cheat sheet for the most common boho fabrics:
- Cotton & Cotton Blends — Generally machine washable on a gentle cycle in cold water. Can shrink slightly, so avoid high heat in the dryer. Air dry when possible.
- Linen — Hand wash or machine wash on delicate in cold water. Linen wrinkles easily — shake it out and hang dry, then steam rather than iron for best results.
- Rayon & Viscose — Very common in flowy boho dresses. Hand wash only in cold water, or dry clean. Rayon loses its shape easily when wet and can shrink dramatically in a machine.
- Silk & Silk Blends — Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, or dry clean. Never wring or twist. Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight.
- Crochet & Lace — Hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry to preserve the structure. Never hang wet crochet — it will stretch out of shape.
- Embroidered Fabrics — Turn inside out before washing to protect the embroidery. Hand wash or use a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle.
Washing: The Golden Rules
Cold Water, Always
Hot water is the enemy of delicate fabrics. It causes shrinkage, fading, and fiber breakdown. Cold water is gentler on both the fabric and the color — always default to cold unless the label specifically says otherwise.
Gentle Detergent
Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent for delicates. Harsh detergents can break down natural fibers over time and cause colors to fade faster. A small amount goes a long way.
Turn It Inside Out
Turning dresses inside out before washing protects the outer surface — especially important for printed fabrics, embroidery, and anything with embellishments.
Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
For machine washing, a mesh laundry bag prevents snags, stretching, and tangling. It's a small investment that makes a big difference for delicate pieces.
Drying: The Most Important Step
More damage happens in the dryer than anywhere else. For most boho and flowy dresses, the dryer is off-limits — or at minimum, use the lowest heat setting possible.
- Air dry flat for anything with stretch, crochet, or heavy embellishment.
- Hang dry for lightweight cotton, linen, and rayon — but avoid direct sunlight, which fades colors.
- Never wring wet fabric. Gently press out excess water by rolling the garment in a clean towel.
Removing Wrinkles Without Damage
Flowy fabrics wrinkle — it's part of their charm, but sometimes you want a cleaner look. Here's how to de-wrinkle safely:
- Steamer — The safest option for almost all boho fabrics. Holds the garment at a slight distance and lets the steam do the work.
- Iron on low heat — Use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric to avoid scorching. Never iron directly on embroidery, crochet, or embellishments.
- Hang in the bathroom — Hang the dress while you shower. The steam from the shower naturally relaxes wrinkles in lighter fabrics.
Storing Your Boho Pieces
- Hang, don't fold flowy maxi and midi dresses to prevent deep creases. Use padded or velvet hangers to avoid shoulder marks.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- For long-term storage, use breathable garment bags — not plastic, which traps moisture and can cause mildew.
- Cedar blocks or lavender sachets are a natural, fabric-safe way to deter moths without harsh chemicals.
Caring for Specific Styles We Carry
A few notes on some of our most popular styles:
- The Free People Lewis Maxi Dress features smocking — hand wash cold and air dry flat to preserve the elasticity of the smocked panels.
- The Free People Nya Halter Maxi has delicate cutout detailing — use a mesh bag if machine washing, or hand wash to be safe.
- The Mon Renn Scala Parker Dress is a structured style — check the label, but most Mon Renn pieces do best with dry cleaning or very gentle hand washing.
When in Doubt, Hand Wash
If you're ever unsure, hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent is almost always the safest choice. It takes a few extra minutes but can add years to the life of a beautiful piece.
Taking care of your clothes is also one of the most sustainable things you can do — and it's very much in the spirit of resale shopping. When you buy quality pieces and care for them well, they last long enough to be loved by multiple owners. That's the Timeless Treasurz philosophy.
Browse our current collection of Free People and Anthropologie dresses — all verified, quality-checked, and ready to become your next favorite piece.